Brian Lipman drove in Chris Akins in the 11th inning as Florida Atlantic University took game one of the three-game Atlantic Sun Conference series from Jacksonville University 7-6. FAU combined for 19 hits to counter 14 runners left on base.

Florida Atlantic (17-9, 6-4 A-Sun) posted five runs in the first two innings on the way to a 5-0 lead. That lead would be relinquished in the fourth inning as the Dolphins posted four runs in the bottom of the frame.

In the top of the first with two outs, FAU picked up four straight hits off of JU starting pitcher Donald Brickle. After stealing third base, Alex Fonseca (Tallahassee, FL) scored FAU's run on an error. Mike McKenna (Delray Beach, FL) scored the second run of the game on a Bobby DiLiberto (Chicago, IL) single to centerfield and eventually came around for run three on Brian Lipman's (Moorpark, CA) team-leading eighth double of the year.

A Mike McBryde (N. Palm Beach, FL) triple led off the second inning. Fonseca drove in the centerfielder with a single through the left side. After stealing second and advanced to third on a failed pick off, Fonseca scored on Mike McKenna's 18th RBI of the year.

The Dolphins (14-16, 4-9 A-Sun) countered back with two runs on three hits in the third inning and added four hits and four runs in the fourth inning to take a 6-5 lead. Pete Clifford came up with the big hit, a two-run double for the JU lead that held until the eighth inning.

McBryde and Fonseca again teamed for the tying run as McBryde reached on a single and stole second to start the eighth inning. With the runner in scoring position, Fonseca delivered an RBI single to right field to score the speedy McBryde to tie the game at six.

The FAU bullpen held the Jacksonville offense in check and waited for the offense to score. Allen Knight, Mickey Storey and Mike McBryde allowed two hits in the final 5 2/3 innings before FAU scored in the 11th.

Designated hitter Bobby DiLiberto picked up his second hit of the contest to start the 11th, a double to left centerfield. Pinch runner Chris Akins advanced to third on a Robbie Widlansky before Lipman sent a fly ball to left field to allow Akins to score on the sacrifice fly.

Seven FAU hitters finished the game with multiple hits. Robbie Widlansky finished with a career-high four hits in a 4-for-6 effort.

Mickey Storey earned the win and improved to 2-1 after he worked three innings and allowed one hit and struck out two. Mike McBryde earned his fourth save working the 11th and struck out the final batter.

Hunter Davis (0-2) suffered the loss after giving up the double to DiLiberto. He pitched 4 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on six hits and struck out four.

The two teams will meet again on Saturday evening at 6 pm when Mike Crotta faces Neal Frontz on the mound.

Note:
In the last five games, FAU has scored a total of 13 runs in the first inning to jump in front of their opponent.